The firm is developing its Wahash infantry fighting vehicle (IFV) and B-250 light attack aircraft, the first of its kind to be manufactured in the UAE

Calidus B-250 light attack aircraft

By Lubna Hamdan

Tue 19 Feb 2019 09:14 AM

Abu Dhabi-based defence technology firm Calidus has revealed details of its new Wahash infantry fighting vehicle (IFV) at the International Defence Exhibition and Conference (IDEX) in Abu Dhabi.

Wahash, which is a cost-effective 8x8, is also being developed as an armoured personnel carrier (APC) that can host weapons including the BMP-3 while operating under extreme conditions.

Supported by episcopes and situation-awareness cameras, it includes IED and landmine protection as well as a modular protection system with variable ballistic protection.

Moreover, Calidus reported progress in the development of its B-250 light attack aircraft, which made its first public flight at the Dubai Airshow in 2017.

“Our products fill an important need among many military forces for solutions that are both cutting-edge and cost-effective. This is our message and IDEX 2019 provides an ideal platform from which to share it,” said Calidus senior vice-president Abdulla Alsayed Alhashmi.

“The Calidus team has made tremendous strides in the four years since our foundation. These milestones are a tribute to their hard work,” he said.

The company is flight testing the B-250, which is the first light attack aircraft manufactured in the UAE, in Al Ain, where it is building a manufacturing plant. The aircraft boasts multi-role capabilities including close air support, counter-insurgency (COIN) and intelligence, surveillance and reconnaissance (ISR) environments.

Furthermore, the B-250 can also serve as a basic and advanced trainer and has received interest from regional and international buyers, according to Calidus, which has a global network of suppliers including US-based Collins Aerospace, UK-based Martin-Baker, Canada-based Pratt & Whitney Canada and Abu Dhabi-based Halcon Systems.